LogFAQs > #977209232

I have a couple of longhair cats, senior adults, one m and one f. They get really bad mats and hate being brushed. At least twice a year, I have to get leather/welding gloves to come at them with scissors and cut out those mats. Usually one mat at a time, over a course of days or longer because of their attitude.

They're sweethearts and like pets and skritches any other time, and one of them lets me head butt him... but they loathe being brushed.

I've tried a variety of brushes and tools, but they won't tolerate it for more than like 30 seconds at a stretch before they turn and scratch or nip. They have been like this as long as the family has had them (adopted at different times from different litters/rescue efforts), which is now 6+ years, I think.

How can I normalize them to being brushed in order to prevent the mats? Or even get them to like it?

If it's not the shape, form, bristle, or whatever from the tool, then it must be in the methodology?